What is it with the "lard a*se" 4 Series Convertible?

[DJMC]

My 24 year old son's looking for an upgrade from his 2010 Mini Cooper. Fancied a BMW convertible so test drove 220d MSport (noisy engine, "bobbly" ride) and 420d MSport Convertibles. He quite liked the 420d a few weeks back (less noise, better damping) and so we looked at one to buy today.

I drove it and called it a "lard arsed lump of lard" which quite upset him. My last BMW was an E46 330ci MSport Convertible which I remember as quick and fun to drive. To me, the 420d was just an A to B car, nothing special, designed to be seen posing in and that's it. That it has 250kg of roof mechanism no doubt accounts for my feelings.

So, what "sporty" convertible or coupe of any make is an alternative? He's 6' 4" 18st. Tried a Fiat 124 the other day. Just about fitted but couldn't move! His current mini is a surprisingly spacious car for a tall person. Maybe he should try an upgrade there?

Audi are crap now, Merc worse. French - er...no. Japan has nothing of interest. Mustang? NCAP 2 stars - maybe not. He has £23-25k to spend on a car still in warranty. Ideally 2 years old. There just seems to be a void for what he's after?

Any ideas what to try?

[DJMC]

Fox- said:

It's a 420d, if you wanted a sporty convertible why on earth would you look at the 2 litre diesel? It's a motorway cruising engine not a sporty engine.

Well, even a little sportiness would be nice. Why put a diesel engine in these? Used to be the 3 series cab HAD to be petrol.
The 2.0d isn't that far behind the 6.9sec 0-60 of my E46 330ci, but delivery is blahhhhhhhh....

428i would be far better perhaps, but insurance... resale... everyone is still after a diesel - brainwashed!!

My 981 Cayman returned 44mpg on a run down the M1 earlier. Diesel... pah!

[DJMC]

He's going Cooper S now! Drove one today. Far more fun than the BMW. 1-2 years old.